Soviet historians compiled and published a four-volume History of India in 1959-1969 which was well received in the country concerned. This work, some of whose authors and editors have contributed to the present study as well, has been drawn on for this new History of India in two books. At the same time use has also been made of the latest research into Indian history carried out by scholars from both the

Soviet Union and many other countries. It is hoped that this book will provide the reader with a deeper knowledge of India and the history and culture of its peoples, and thus promote friendly relations between India and the Soviet Union.

The books were translated from the Russian by Katherine Judelson and designed by Y. Lilov. The books were first printed by Progress Publishers in 1979.

Contents

Book 1

Preface 7

ANCIENT INDIA (G. Bongard-Levin)

INDIA IN THE MAGADHA AND MAURYAN PERIODS

New Stages of Political Development 59
The Mauryan Empire During the Reign of Ashoka 66
The Deccan and Southern India in the Magadha and Mauryan Periods 82
Economic Development and Social Structure 84
The Republics of Ancient India 98
The Culture of the Mauryan Era 101
Religious Teachings of the Mauryan Period 105

INDIA IN THE KUSHANA AND GUPTA PERIODS

North-Western India in the First Century B.C. and the First Century A.D. 116
The Western Kshatrapas and the Satavahanas 125
Economic Development and Social Structure 129
Religious Trends and Philosophical Schools in the Early Centuries A.D. 138
The Culture of the Kushana and Gupta Periods 168
The Historical and Cultural Links Between Ancient India and Other Countries 175

INDIA IN THE MIDDLE AGES (K. Antonova)

INDIA BE1WEEN THE SIXTH AND TWELfTH CENTURIES
The Political History of India from the Sixth to the Twelfth Century 184
The Development of Feudal Relations Between the Sixth and Twelfth Centuries 189
Indian Culture Between the Sixth and Twelfth Centuries 196

INDIA DURING THE PERIOD OF THE DELHI SULTANATE (THIRTEENTH AND EARLY FOURTEENTH CENTURIES)
The Political History of the Delhi Sultanate 202
The Economic Position of the Delhi Sultanate 210
Southern and Western India 215
Indian Culture Between the Thirteenth and Sixteenth Centuries 225

INDIA AT THE TIME OF THE MOOHUL EMPIRE (SIXTEENTH-EIGHTEENTH CENTURIES)

The Formation of the Moghul Stale 230
The Reign of Akbar 232
The Reign of Jahangir 245
The Reign of Shahjahan 250
The Reign of Aurangazeb 254
Indian Culture in the Sixteenth and Seventeenth Centuries 262